The Dynamo Reserves took a 1-0 lead in the fifth minute on a goal scored by Warren Creavalle. The midfielder was able to capitalize on the chance after FC Dallas goalkeeper Chris Seitz made a save on forward Omar Cummings’ initial shot from 12-yards out. Creavalle was able to find the loose ball in a pack of players and knock the rebound past Seitz for the early 1-0 lead.

Seitz was called upon again in the 21st minute. The 6-3 goalkeeper charged off his line to cut down Cam Weaver’s angle on goal after the forward intercepted a pass deep in FC Dallas territory. Near the top of the area, Weaver attempted to cut left and go around the goalkeeper, but Seitz was able to slide-tackle the ball away and pin the rebound.

FC Dallas pulled even in the 34th minute on a goal scored by midfielder Bobby Warshaw. Warshaw earned a corner kick for Dallas when he fired a long-range attempt towards the right post. The rising line-drive was tipped over the crossbar by goalkeeper Tyler Deric but Fabian Castillo was able to pick out Warshaw with the ensuing corner. Warshaw did not give Deric a chance to make a second save, hammering home a full volley to the back post to make the score, 1-1.

Houston came out of halftime looking for the go-ahead goal and should have gotten it in the 54th minute when defender Mike Chabala centered a pass to Cummings at the top of the six-yard box. The veteran forward struck a snap header with perfect form but Seitz was able to make his second outstanding save of the afternoon, slapping the shot down and to his right where an FC Dallas defender was able to clear the ball away.

The Dynamo eventually took a 2-1 lead in the 73rd minute on a goal scored by Brian Ownby. The right midfielder received a pass at the right corner of the six-yard box and ran at his defender. Ownby and an FC Dallas defender battled for the ball for a moment before it deflected into open space. Ownby was first to react and poked a low shot to the back post with his first touch to give Houston the lead.

Dynamo homegrown striker Bryan Salazar earned Houston a penalty kick opportunity in the 82nd minute when he ran at FC Dallas defender London Woodberry. The rookie defender clipped Salazar’s ankle as he tried to turn the corner and went to ground, forcing the referee to point to the spot. Alex Dixon opted to take the kick, but fired the shot off the left post behind Seitz.

Two minutes later Houston made it a 3-1 final when a Dynamo defender ripped a 30-yard shot to the far upper corner of the net.